Life Update - Leaving the UPC
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Short life update. Bigger update that we are now both ex-UPCI members. Growing up in a heavily works-based religious organization, it was an every day struggle to ever feel good enough to please God, to live "sinless", or to be ready every second for Christ's return. We now rely on Christ alone for our salvation....through faith....knowing that His sacrifice was a gift that He gave us. And once accepted, it cannot be earned or lost. We would love to hear from anyone desiring to leave the UPCI, trying to leave, or that has already left. We all need community along this journey.
RESOURCES:
TH-cam Channels 📺
/ fighting4thefaith
/ responsiblefaith
/ dividethewordblog
/ @stevenkozarmessedupch...
Books 📚
Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices - amzn.to/3UR5IEt
Free: From Legalism to Grace Breaking Out of the United Pentecostal Church - amzn.to/3AscGYw
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse - amzn.to/3UUFKA2
Websites 🌎
spiritualabuse.org
freedomofmind....
Podcasts 🎙
thecultishshow...
Contact us ✉️
justinandtiff(at)icloud.com - replace (at) with @
I’m telling my pastor tonight that I’m leaving. You guys don’t know how much I needed this
We were praying for you as soon as when we read this!
How far have you gone did anybody miss you.
@@dwayneoneil689 I would say that while I’m sure there are some people who miss me, and there have even been a few who have commented on social media posts, the church I went to doesn’t really pursue you once you’ve left.
You know when I left, I didn't tell him. He didn't call. He didn't care. I didn't expect him too.
It’s amazing how some of us have such a similar story. Me and my wife made the transition out about 10 years ago. There was so much doctrinally and theology wise that we were not being taught being in the upc about church history. My hope is that my family will see one day.
Yes, they seem to keep the UPC and Pentecostalism history hidden, and massively misconstrued if ever talked about. It's misleading. Happy to hear that you and your wife made your journey out. Praying blessings on you both! And thanks for watching.
Hey Tiffany. I used to go to the same church as you in Palmdale. I recently had a chat with a common friend who told me about your experience and decision. I just want to let you know I'm sure it took quite a bit of courage to make the choice to step out on your own faith and I can't imagine it was very popular among the people whom you know. I just want you to know I'm here for you. I totally get what you're saying about a lot of the "stuff" for lack of a better term. I wish you and your husband the absolute best. You've got a friend in me :)
Hi Heidi! Thank you for watching and commenting. We do share some stories, I’m sure :) Good to hear from you and we are praying for your journey ❤️ -Tiff
I was raised Apostolic and was abused with it as a child and now at 66 I'm still battling with what I went through I can't find a church I've been told I shamed the church and the community. I don't know where I fit in life. Please keep me in your prayers I need a church family.
Oh Debbie, we are so sorry to hear this. Those experiences can take a lifetime to work through. It’s so damaging. We understand this and will certainly be keeping you in our prayers ❤️
Here is a resource we found out about and may possibly help you find a biblical church to check out in your area:
9marks.org
God bless!
Seek Jesus and He WILL lead you where He wants you to be. Stay close to Him!!
I’m also on the same boat I grew up in the upci church and was abused consistently for over 25 years. I am now dealing with severe mental health challenges that includes, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. I lost all my friends and was condemned constantly when I started acting out. I struggle with suicidal ideation and deal with a lot of shame and guilt. My soulmate relationship was destroyed due to us being a mix raced couple. I almost became an atheist & gave up but for the mercy and grace of God. I’m daily healing and unlearning all the unhealthy things I was taught. It feels like I’ve had to start from square one, I’m battling with health issues by the grace of God he will get me through. I lived in a constant state of stress for many many years. And I can finally breathe but every time I put on a pair of pants or do something that I wasn’t allowed to do before it’s still causes quite a lot of guilt. I haven’t been able to hold a relationship successfully due to the trauma. I’m a broken person but God is fixing me. Thanks for sharing your stories it helps to encourage me.
Thank you so much for this video. Jesus just had my husband and I leave UPCI and listening to y’all’s story is such a blessing. Definitely encouraging, and healing with our journey♥️🙏🏼
Thank you so much for watching and sharing! We will be praying for you both! God bless.
I listened to this twice… there’s no base or clarity on why you guys left other than when you studied scripture for yourself it didn’t align with the church’s beliefs. Why wouldn’t you be doing your own bible reading and homework to begin with. Our relationship with God is based on our faith, convictions, and the knowledge we acquire by prayer and reading our Bible. Now, the only thing that I understood is that you no longer believed in the Oneness of Jesus Christ… I would like to understand further the reasons why you left- what is it that you no longer align with for doctrine? What was going on behind the scenes that was a red flag? This video seemed very superficial and just wanting to put a video about leaving the UPC but not the turning points or situations lived. Praying you would expand. Praying Gods blessings. 🙏🙏
It’s sad honestly
They mentioned within the first minute of the video that this video is an overview (summary) of their journey out. They also mentioned that they would consider doing future videos going into further detail about their experience.
I love how kind you both are in your wording about UPC here. I left as well and it has been so good for my husband and I. We actually go to a Mennonite church now. Not a Super duper conservative one, but conservative, yet Not controlling at all. Their community is so sweet and loyal to one another. It is beautiful. ❤
I love that you're sharing your story and being so open with the public about it! I hope to hear more about what you do believe now and what you have learned from getting out of the UPC church.
I have been contemplating this to leave the Pentecostal holiness church from me reading the word and learning the have a manual with odd rules for memberships
I’m soon to be next out the door, it’s a big life change but one for the better
It's a hard journey, but so worth it. We are praying for you!
I totally get you guys. It is hard to leave. I was born and raised Apostolic and upc are very similar. I'm still untangling their doctrine and learning to read the Bible in the context it was intended. Thank you for sharing your stories. 🙏⚘️
Thank you for watching! Detox and rethinking is a long journey. So thankful for God’s grace and patience. God bless ❤️
So do you still believe in repentance , baptism in Jesus name , and recieving the holy ghost with the evidence ofspeaking in tongues ?
I left years ago for a myriad of reasons. I have family and (formerly) close family friends high up in leadership & was a PK most of my life. It brings me so much joy every time I see someone else share their story. Leaving is a trauma no one understands until they’ve lived it. There’s something so healing about hearing a stranger validate your experience and having that reminder that you’re not crazy and you’re not just bitter or mad at god. Thank you both for speaking out.
You're so correct. And thank you for sharing. It helps so much to know we are not alone. Love and prayers...
This makes me SOooooooo happy to see you both free and on the mend. (The “mend” takes years). -Lori
Are you against the foundatinal doctirnes like Jesus Name Baptism and Oneness view of God and baptism of the holy spirit? Or are you only against with External Holiness hyper strict behaviour and self righteous ness?
I just left.. i was raised in UPC since i was 6. I had a split family and my mom was not Christian but going at my dads him and his wife were UPC. Going there i often felt i needed to gain love by following these "rules" and this actually turned me away from God completely. In my perspective it was like, im going to hell anyways so whats the point? But deep down all i wanted was God. Eventually i met God for myself.. and i went to that Church because its all i ever known of "God" as a kid but i noticed that I was going there and coming back drained. I saw alot of judgment, gossip ect and it just made me wonder.. and reading the bible myself i coukd see how it didnt line up. i always told myself i was never going to be good enough for them. I felt like the black sheep because of my past i had tattoo's, wore pants,ect. And not to say that people who went there didnt opporate in the spirit i saw many who did. But it also got to a point where i litterally couldnt take this anymore. I have alot of truma and pain and when i tried to bring it up with Church members i got shut down. So currently being shunned and im greiving because its all i known since a kid. Going to a new Church because i understand the importance its hard to offer trust but i do put my complete trust in God.
Oh, we are so sorry this was your experience 💔 Not ever feeling good enough for God is an unfortunate result of growing up in these abusive systems. We both share in this struggle. We are so thankful you haven't lost your faith, seems like you could have very easily. We will be praying as you process through the trauma, the grief, and the shunning. It isn't an easy road, but our trust is firmly planted in a God who doesn't leave us, and pours so much peace and strength out on us. Keep those tattoos and pants goin' girl! You are free in Christ and it's such a blessing to hear of young women who read Scripture on their own to find out that something doesn't add up with what these churches teach. Good for you!
And thank you for sharing...these stories are very important for others to hear/read. Especially since so many feel all alone and are unable to speak out.
God bless you! ❤️
AMEN!!! lol my family is still stuck but between the "standards", plus the more I read just kept finding out Jesus "had a GOD"?? So mind blowing still. God bless you guys!!
But the one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of "my God". Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of "my God", and the name of the city of "my God", the new Jerusalem, which comes down from "my God" out of heaven, and my own new name.
Revelation 3:5
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:21
It is quite the head scratcher for sure, haha! Thank you for sharing these scriptures!
What scripture or study are you referring to?
What study would someone wanting to leave read?
In a previous comment “I lost” on here I explained how I disagree with the UPCI and my experience with that doctrine.
But I did not get to finish my comment. After listening to you both and some of the you tube suggestions you gave it appears you came out of one type of confusion to another type of confusion. You are not following the true text within its context as you suggest, especially in areas of Tongues. Many who believe in it are not trained accordingly to scripture, but that does not make it irrelevant.
“The problem it seems is not so much what you came out of as much as what you have come into”. Trying to find answers for your confusion you have sought out those who have never accepted the scriptures for today pertaining to the Holy Spirits gifts along with other important things.
Just as you suggest some in the UPCI are doing the best they know and love Jesus, I also believe the same for you too, but the things you are accepting now trying to correct the UPCI fallacies have gotten into new fallacies.
I too have been hungry for truth of God’s word after being born-again believing Jesus alone as my savior almost 4 decades ago. In my study of God’s word and research I have gain a lot of understanding of the things you now speak of, on both sides of your previous journey and where you seem to be now.
I would encourage you not to get caught up in the Cessationist and Calvinist explanations of the things you have been confused about.
Once God reveals truth to you it is easy to see it in scripture. The problem is most people do not realize they are spirit beings living in a physical body who have a soul. The soul basically is the mind, emotions, and will. The problem is when we believe things in our soul it seems it is coming from our heart or spirit where God lives in us. Hebrews tells us God’s word will divide the soul and spirit, therefore there is a need to do so.
I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak daily in Tongues for almost 4 decades. I love Jesus and I continue to grow in the fruit of the Spirit He put in my spirit when I was born-again. Like Paul I can say I pray more in tongues more than most who will read this, but not when in a church service as the message is being preached or publicly for display. Now Paul does explain when to speak in Tongues publicly but that is the ministry gift of Tongues in 1 Corinthians 12, not the Tongues I want to address briefly. I will stop but could easily reveal to you the different types and uses for Tongues Paul spoke of just in 1 Corinthians 14 alone. Note you do not see in Acts, 2, 8, 10-11 or 19 in their speaking of Tongues any “gift of the interpretation of Tongues” as you read about in 1 Corithians 12. Yet they are all important and from God or it would not be in our Bible.
Point is many are not taught the proper use and reason for this gift from God. Paul explained that all should speak in Tongues, just not in a service, as they were all out of order in their approach. But nowhere did Paul tell anyone to stop anyone from speaking in Tongues as he literally said over and over he would they all spoke in Tongues...JUST not like they were doing it!
Another simple thing in Mark 16 where Jesus said “ALL” believers will speak in Tongues as a sign “OF” the believer, not a sign to the non-believer, which is another purpose for a different gift of tongues. Even in Acts 2 Luke recorded that “ALL” there spoke in Tongues, not just a few here and there. Another important thing is Acts does NOT say the disciples speaking in Tongues spoke in another known language…let me explain…read the scripture.
It says “they heard” them speak in their own language. So correct interpretation could be that those without Christ who heard, God could have given them the ability to understand, not that those speaking in Tongues spoke their language. But…it is also possible that is what happened. Also notice they heard them magnify or praise God not witness to them about Jesus, that is why Peter had to preach the word for the 3000 to be saved.
The problem we have is nowhere else in the Bible do we see any disciple who spoke in Tongues speak in an unknown language to anyone and they understood that language, and remember Paul said we speak mysteries to God not to man. Acts chapters 8, 10-11, 19 all tell us that believers who believed, that all of them spoke in Tongues eventually, but none spoke it as a sign to any unbeliever. But as Peter explained in chapter 11 the Disciples hearing Cornelius house speak in Tongues revealed to Peter and them that the same Spirit came on the gentiles as them in the upper room.
Again notice there was not sign to any unbeliever but it was a sign from those who believed, just as Jesus said it would be in Mark 16. And remember Acts 19 was written 19-20 years after Pentecost and yet Paul “laid” hands on them who believed on Christ and they “all” spoke in Tongues.
One last thing, as I could go on letting scripture after scripture prove that Pentecost is still for us today. The last thing: many people listening to those you are now listening to will tell you, as I do and agree with, that you must understand text within its context and not disagree with the whole of scripture. Problem is they are not doing that many times in this area, but rather through their acquired “knowledge” usually formal training.
An instance: I heard your repeat something from this or a previous video trying to explain what you thought Tongues was on the day of Pentecost and how it is basically confined to that time. You mentioned that there is not much said about Tongues when there are over two chapters in the New Testament not including Acts mentioning them, yet it never mentions being baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Now, I assume you now believe in the Trinity as I too do. I believe Jesus told us what to do in Matthew 28, but as you said about Tongues that in Acts 2 how it does not say the 3000 spoke in Tongues. But show me where it ever, even ONE time, show us to baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matter a fact show me where the Bible mentions the word “rapture” assuming you believe in it.
The principles are in the scripture proving the Trinity and the rapture. What you have done with Tongues in Acts 2 with the 3000 is to “cherry pick” a scripture in Acts that did not “specifically” mention Tongues. Based on the beginning of Tongues called the first mentioned of Tongues they all spoke in Tongues as the Holy Spirit baptized them. And it agrees with what Jesus said in Mark 16, this “new tongue” would be the sign of all future believers, according to His will.
Now again, those now you are listening to will try to say these scriptures in Mark may not be in some of the original writings. Problem is neither is “the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in baptism. But the truth is Mark 16 is in some of the original text, just not in later additions, some of who added in other things.
Do not be deceived again as you are looking for truth. You have not been taught properly about Pentecost. Unless you as a real Christian, born-again of the Spirit, have also went on and been baptized in the Holy Spirit with speaking in Tongues your really cannot address this subject.
There are very knowledgeable people who can quote the Bible and “explain” to you the “history” and such who have never been born-again, would you listen to that person about salvation? Nor should you listen to those who may be born-again of the Spirit and baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for their acceptance of Jesus as savior…yet they have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit as on Pentecost in Acts 2, 8, 10-11, 19, 1 Corinthians 14:2, etc. and spoke in Tongues.
I and thousands perhaps millions in the last 2000 plus years have spoke in Tongues according to the true interpretation of Acts. Let me say one more thing, I do not consider myself Charismatic as you call some, but many have received a real experience but have not receive proper training the purpose and reason. Just as Paul was describing to the Corinthian church, do not forbid, but receive correction the proper use of Tongues WITHIN a church meeting. But true divine Tongues is still from God and for every believer according to written scripture in context.
I will leave it there and hope you will prayerfully and without presupposition seek out in scripture what I have tried to share in this limited way. There are a lot of good resources out there about this truth but you have not listed none of them in our resource list, nor will you find it from the UPCI doctrine. And I too have family I love that loves Jesus with good fruit from that love of God who are in the UPCI, which in some of their doctrine I strongly disagree with.
I have found you do not have to have all your “doctrine” accurate to receive Jesus as savior, but to know Him we will pursue His truth.
It’s called backsliding not transitioning… never heard a UPCI minister that didn’t preach to read and study your Bible for yourself. I would like to know where they were wrong in there translations. It usually boils down to you didn’t like the holiness and separation from worldly thing so you chose to believe they were wrong.
I sense that in some of the comments , there are people who want to defend their heresies
I like this video! I joined the P.A.W. Oneness Pentecostal Church 54 years ago and U.P.C. Oahu, Hawaii 50 years ago. I felt that I was in bondage and cried out to God. God heard my prayers and in a dream, he told me to leave Pauline Christianity and return to the Torah, Psalm 119:142. Jesus said my sheep know my voice John 10:27 and he is the TORAH became flesh John 1:14. The TORAH is the word of God and I worship the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac; and the God of Jacob. The Holy Spirit has taught me that the name Jesus is Christian. The Messiah is a Judean and does not speak English neither do his disciples they spoke Aramaic. The name Jesus doesn't appear in Hebrew or Aramaic, it didn't exist before 1633 c.e. and the KJBible 1611 doesn't contain that name. I repented of my idolatry and was grafted into the children of Israel. Romans 11:12. I now uphold the teachings of Rabbi Yeshua in the Gospels and uphold YHVH's words the TORAH. I felt I was lied to and God The FATHER's name was withheld from me. Exodus 3:15 Man is created in God's image, not God created in man's image, which is idolatry! That is why I left Pauline Christianity and embraced Orthodox Judaism.
This is similar to my journey. I came into the UPC church in 1990. It was a small rural church. Just an amazing pastor. I can tell you genuine moves of God I saw while going there.
I made the decision to go to one of their Bible Colleges. BIG mistake. I should have stayed under my pastor and kept on with my Bible studies I was doing on my own. I won't get into a long story why, but Bible College was one of the worst decisions I made.
I left the UPC for a number of years, started hanging around "progressive" Christians. But when they started to embrace same sex marriage and, ultimately, what the world is trying to do to change children today, I had to walk away from that.
During that time I had doubted speaking in tongues, and if it was real. I did not pursue that gift at all for the longest time.
But during all these years, I knew I was drifting away. One night, in April 2021, I had a dream I went to Sheol. Again, long story, but the exact visuals I saw were confirmed when I ended up reading the book of Enoch and the Wisdom of Solomon (yes, in the apocrypha) a while later- the EXACT same thing described in those scriptures in Sheol is what I saw.
In May 2021, the power of the Holy Ghost struck me like I hadn't experienced in years. I had three separate waves on three separate days, all causing me to speak in tongues. It delivered me of A LOT of what I had been struggling with up to that point.
And part of me doubted it for a minute. I won't say exactly how, but God did give me an absolute 100% confirmation that the language I was speaking in tongues was a language from Africa I never heard before. I had an opportunity to have a source listen to it and interpret the exact words for me. I was blown away.
I tried going back to the UPC but found either the pastors were just abusive or they were there to just preach feel good messages and tickle ears.
I ended up not leaving the church, they left me. Again, long story, but I didn't go for about two or three weeks, for one reason or antoher, including I was sick during that time. I figured I'd go back. But the pastor who "loved" me never reached out to me to see how I was. It's like he didn't even care I was gone. I wasn't bitter about it, it was just a wake up call.
And, like you, I turned to the true Torah teachings. Observing Sabbath and the Passover were so incredible to me. And I finally saw the reason Jesus calls us to walk in SPIRIT and TRUTH. Both with the indewelling of the Holy Ghost and observing the truth of His law.
When Jesus tells people to depart from Him, He never knew them, those people say, "But Jesus, we did all these things in your name! Propesied, preached, cast out demons, all in your name!" (Paraphrasing a bit here, I know.) What does He tell them, "Depart from me, I never knew you, you workers of law (TORAH) lessness."
It radicalized my life. Now I am back to studying the Bible like was before I went to Bible college and I started a podcast of my own with Bible studies and sharing my testimony with others.
My pastor gave me his blessing to move! When I left I was going to another upc but trouble there lead me to not settle but to another pentecostal church and almost immediately supernaturally became the pastor there. This was by itself God to be sure as I was not even licensed with them. Yet Appointed by state overseer as pastor. This was a main line pentecostal denomination in which this just does not happen yet it did because GOD HAD THIS PLAN FOR ME. From there I remained in formal ministry and pursued seminary edu.
How can i reach you all
Hi Christian….our contact email is justinandtiff (at) iCloud.com - replace the (at) with @.
Thank you…
So good to see you! Life changes can be such a good thing and it was great to see your changes! I’m getting married this December and am SOOooooo happy and found a man who loves me and is a true Christian! ❤ -Lori
Lori! We are so happy for you! We watch your videos AS SOON as they come out and are always so excited. Thank you for being such an integral part of my community (Justin) and my leaving (Tiff). Loving you and praying for you!
@@justinandtiffany you’re such cool kids!!! I left another comment, because I forgot that I’d left this one! Lol… busy busy life.
I'm glad you left the teaching of UPC, but you didn't leave your love for God. So many really think the outward appearance is part of their salvation, whoever is pastor ( I call them the new SHERIFF)at the time may set man-made made rules, like no rings etc..Most people don't realize that UPCI is only for ministers if they stop paying their dues they will be dropped and if they put their Church building in conction with UPC if the pastor decides to leave they will and can take the Church building. I was raised in that cult, my father was over the District we lived in at the time. He never trusted the upc so he did not put the Church building part of it..I could tell unreal stories about so called pastors..If your a member do get out..but remember God is real and his Laws never change man made rules change when a new SHERIFF comes to town..My dad told me when I was very young " Whatever a pastor talks about constantly and pushes it on his people is what he has a problem with"..Im 78 now and what is said has been true everytime..If he teaches womens clothing he has a lust problem..etc if it's constantly about homosexuals watch out. .The Bible has laws against it yes..you don't have to hear it constantly..I feel sorry for people who connect serving and loving Jesus with upc..They only heard standards for the women..tv movies etc..very sad
Wow! I bet you have stories. But thank God for opening our eyes to see that true salvation comes only from HIM! Thank you for watching and sharing! God bless.
Just watched your video and will be passing it along. I can relate to the things you shared. I, too, never thought I would leave the UPC and here we are. Thanks for the link to my website. I just added this video to the experience section of my website.
Thank you so much! We have been blessed beyond words by your work and all you do. God bless!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Hello Justin and Tiffany,
You probably do not know me but I attended the same UPC Church as you guys did.
But we were not...mmmm....how do I say this... We just weren't in the same group or circle.
I started questioning many things about the Bible, what I read and what I understood and what I was being taught.
"Was I feeling convicted by the Holy Spirit or was this feeling actually condemnation?"
Yes, I left the Church over 12 years ago but I never walked away from God.
Instead I opened my heart and mind through my on personal walk with Him and His word through Bible study...
Just me and God, much prayer and many tears.
I read my Bible now with such clarity...the verses are not just a feel good verse anymore. God's word is something I cannot get enough of and
every day I am at Awe at what He has taught me.. I would love to hear more about your journey and where you are now. I tried to send you both a friend's request on FB but was not successfull. I'm not sure if either of you would feel comfortable exchanging phone numbers or e-mail. Yet I want you to know your testimony was so up lifting and inspiring.
God bless you both for supporting each other and for having the courage to make this video...
Brenda….unfortunately, when a congregation gets big, circles form. It is one of the many reasons we believe large assemblies aren’t conducive to Christ’s church operating as a body. Your testimony is a blessing to us, and we’re grateful for every child of God who can safely exit the UPC system and maintain their relationship with the Lord. We would love to be in contact with you and hear more about your journey. Especially since we shared the same congregation. If you send an email to our address under this video, we will respond with our personal contact information. Thank you for watching! God bless…
@@justinandtiffanythe most intimate time I had with upc was the small cell groups that would meet once a month. Fellowship prayer and trust. As the group got over 12 it would start another cell. However the Pastor felt we were getting to close to the designated leader. We were broken hearted we learn to open up with each other. Was so sad
Congrats on seeing the light. So happy for you.
Amen, God bless your journey...
Thanks for sharing.
James & Rescue Kitties
Congrats. I left years ago. Still recovering.
I left a “Full Gospel” branch of Pentecostal church. Our church was a oneness teaching as well. Everything you both explained was things I started going through once I hit 25 a few years ago. To be raised with these beliefs and than to read scripture and find out things aren’t right is Good but it was terrifying. I felt like I had no where to turn nor where I was going. It’s been painful to feel like I couldn’t trust myself to know what is the real way. I’m learning and getting back in there and have healed from all the hurt. I also played a part in judging people as well like you both so I have leaned to forgive the ones who wrongly judged me. I think what really messed me up was the performative expecting behaviors, the over emotional response you were expected to give because that ment you was filled with the spirit, all the “ prophecies being spoken over me“ and trying to live it or feeling like I did wrong it it wasn’t coming to pass, the spiritual abuse from leadership, and the alter calls/deliverances. I’m so thankful to find this video because you guys handled all of this so well in breaking down your experiences. It helps to others like me feel like others get it, my experience is valid, and rejoice for what God has done in your lives as.
Beautifully said, Lateysha.
It’s hard to relate unless you’ve “been there and done that”! Sound like you’re on a great path forward and we will be praying for you and your journey! Thank you for watching and God bless ❤️
Thank you
One GOD manifested in Father Son & Holy Spirit sounds like Four ...It’s really FatherGOD manifested(presences) in the ,Son, & Holy Spirit /3 that bears record in Heaven ...My six years in UPCI (late 1985)The Father was hardly mentioned. Because of King Jesus (Only Begotten Unique Son) Mediator Redeemer Intercessor HighPriest etc. I can draw closer to my Heavenly Holy Father GOD who send Holy Spirit Power...Blessings to y’all
1 john 2:23- King James Bible
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
I love that you're sharing your story and being so open with the public about it! I hope to hear more about what you do believe now and what you have learned from getting out of the UPC church.
See just the opposite happened to me. Peter's message is still right regardless of how you feel your need for freedom.I was raised trinity . And what showed me about what I believed that the encyclopedia said the origin of the trinity but be not deceived God is not mocked if you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption. Church should never be a have to. It should be a want to .
the trinity is true.
The Trinity was added recently. Keep going back further you and will find more and more holes in the entire thing
@@matthewjohnson1577 trinity since day 1.
@@robrobert3438 and how can you prove this?
@@matthewjohnson1577 genesis thru revelation.
Oneness Doctrine is far reaching. to disprove the Trinity. Trinity is a second century teaching that the Catholic Church made law under the land. Scripture talks about the Godhead there it should stay. UPCI hits on Jesus name baptism.
Why wouldn't you want to with believers or the body. You are wrong about not needing to be apart of the body. All churches teach that it is scripture. Now if you feel controlled then you can leave that body but it sounds like you didn't want to go to church.
I wish you the very best in your Christian journey. I to was raised in the UPC. I spent 24 years as a minister. 12 years as a evangelist and 12 years pastoring. My journey out was hard and draining. Discovering grace was a great joy. I lost almost all my friends. It has been now over 26 years and I am still glad I left. Walk with Jesus he never leaves. God bless and enjoy your new life in Christ.
Thank you for watching! Wow, you have a history. We understand being in the UPC long term, and the hard journey to get out. Thank you for sharing. God bless!
Try catholic
@@WorldWide-xm2ob I am not convinced that is the way. I prefer to focus on Jesus and his word and not on a huge religious organization. But thank you for your suggestion.
@@bdsbulldog th-cam.com/video/jJCbCs-y1_k/w-d-xo.html
@@justinandtiffany th-cam.com/video/jJCbCs-y1_k/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for exposing the corrupt and even demonic doctrine of the UPCI church! I went to that church for about 4 years of my life and looking back I can’t even believe just how shallow their interpretation of their “gospel” is! I am so happy that you guys moved out! It does take a lot of courage and the Holy Spirit to leave!❤
What exact things in the meetings raised a red flag for you?
You two are MIXING Biblical TRUTH with the ADMINISTRATION (or “operations” as you say) of your particular CHURCH… doing this is leading yourselves and OTHERS into Biblical ERROR.
I AM APOSTOLIC not in denomination, but IN BIBLE TRUTH, and YES, there is a HUGE difference.
This video is based on “personal opinions and emotions,” that you are ALLOWED TO HAVE!
Basically, you both left a church that no longer suit your SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
However, your content CAN LEAD GOD’S people astray, which God, JESUS, HOLY SPIRIT will not call you to do.
Mixing flawed personalities, egos, and character of leaders WITH DOCTRINE is wrong.
Release your hurt feelings privately with the LORD, attend your new church, and hold on to Bible TRUTH.
“Work out your soul Salvation with fear and trembling.”
sort it out and come under the direction of HOLY SPIRIT to truly minister healing to others.
We are not UNITED by DENOMINATION or ORGANIZATION but BY THE WORD, JESUS CHRIST.
I don't know anyone, myself included, that life got exponentially worse after leaveing the upc. Life got better without the fear, lies and manipulation.
If Jeaus commands us to Baptize His followers in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit -- Then why would Pentacostals say to Baptize Just in the name of " Jesus
Only ?"
I'm not UPC however.. I will never believe anything but death. burial. resurrection.
The 12 Deciples of Jesus. We're not preaching false doctrine when they Baptized souls in Jesus name ❤️ obeying
Acts 2:38... and the evidence of Speaking in a heavenly language...
People are the problem and people have faults and it's sad 😔 when ministry ignore it... Praying you both get healing 🙏
Amen. UPCI turns people away from that biblical truth.
So glad to see you both on the same page! That makes me happy!
Hey Mark! So nice to hear from you! Hope all is well with you, Melanie, and your family!
Be careful don’t fall into false doctrine. I left UPC for 30 years, tried Trinity churches. I could not feel right in those places. There is only one God nd if you read about where the church started in book of Acts each time they were baptized in Jesus Name and receive the Holy Ghost with initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Don’t go back on the doctrines. You don’t have to go to UPC just don’t go away from the doctrine, it is truth.
I lost my teenager year in the upcoming I am now 30 and want to enjoy everything I missed. I am not tolking about sin but about me being freedom , happy , not looking to impress with my long skirt , me not looking to know if I am going to hell because I have put color on my lips. This was very traumatic for me
I don't know to feel about the UPCI. I was there but had to take a break. What church do you guys go to now if I may ask?
Wow! Enjoy your story. I have not set foot in my place of worship since December 22. I have a great big sigh to let out. I cannot and will not pretend or sit in the seat of Judgement anymore. There is a God.
Also, I have to say I had a wonderful pastor and learned so many valuable things for ministry while in UPC. I still have friends in UPC and many who have left. I too have fam still in UPC and we are on very good terms. I DO KNOW as in every denomination there may be error. My exp was not real neg with few exceptions.
Thank you I left the upci in 2015. I struggled with the doctrine s
You look very sad.smile. God is God. God bless u
They change there music they dont preach like they use to
Good to see yall again -- Love your last video!
Hi Justin and Tiff.
Just found your guys from someone on a FB group from former UPCers.
Just wanna say what a blessing you guys are in taking courage to publicly share your story.
I’m always glad to hear stories like yours which shows God’s grace and hand in your lives.
I came from an independent Oneness Pentecostal Church (not affiliated with any particular organization, but doctrines and standards were very similar).
I was in it 13 years and man, I’ve learned A LOT since I left 3 years ago.
Keep on keeping on. Blessings 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you for watching and sharing! It's a blessing to know we are not alone. May God bless your journey.
I'm sad now, I still miss yall here at the church. I will pray for yall and I hope yall are blessed but i hope yall find true revelation. God bless
Bashing other churches is never healthy,
Me and my boyfriend have found grace and joy I was raised in apostolic church and he was not he opened my eyes and I realized I was never really taught about who Jesus was and about the gospel I never really had a relationship with Jesus I was just religious and depended on man but now I know the gospel and the way truth and the life most of all my family is apostolic and I’m still young so it’s very hard bc I can’t leave I’m only 17 and my bf is 19 we are planning on leaving when we get married soon I hope. It’s so draining and hard feeling judged all the time bc we are not doing what they do a lot of them judge the outward and not inward but Jesus judges the heart and Ik God has a plan for us even if I have to leave my whole family I will do it for Jesus please pray for us🙏🏻 and thanks for sharing✝️
We understand the hardship of your situation. We will be praying for you!
😮 What a thing when you find out you are wrong.I hope is while u are alive
@@justinandtiffanyIf you only knew the mistake that you made you will never be on TH-cam celebrating it.😮
Breaks my heart!
Well the good news is that Jesus is *Lord God Almighty* clothed in unsinful humanity and He is the author of *eternal life* to all who trust Him alone for salvation.
Jesus paid for all the sins of all the world at the cross (past, present, and future). That payment is put to your account when you have believed on Christ alone for salvation 💓.
*This means that saving repentance is realizing that you are a sinner deserving of God's just punishment in Hell and turn (repent) from whatever you trusted in before, if indeed you trusted in anything; to trusting in the person and finished work of Christ alone for salvation.*
So great to see you guys sharing your journey!!! I hope you will make more videos, the more voices on this topic, the better imo. It's not an easy transition and I'm sure your experiences and perspective will be very relatable. I appreciate your kind and gentle approach to this topic. Walking in the fruit of the Spirit is something that becomes so important and dear to us when we leave.
Thank you, Deanna. We appreciate the time you've given to helping those of us exiting. We have learned so much from your experience, wisdom, and study. We plan to do more videos. We don't always feel fully equipped, but we know it's so important.
Works based is such a lie about the UPCI. Works is merely a reflex to the love, forgiveness and mercy that was so freely given. I am so sick of liars!!
1 Corinthians 12-14
King James Version
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Does anyone here remember the scripture that said “Judge not lest ye be judged”?
Does anyone here remember the scripture that said the Lion shall lie down with the lamb?
Does anyone here remember the word “Hallelujah” being in the King James Bible?
Does anyone here remember the word “wineskins” being in the KJV?
Does anyone here remember the word “demon” being in the KJV?
Does anyone here remember the term “Holy of Holies” being in the KJV?
Does anyone here remember the word “restrain” being in the KJV in 2 Thessalonians 2?
I grew up in a King James Bible ONLY culture. We used the KJV exclusively, believing it to be the best translation available.
Is there anyone here who uses the KJV exclusively?
I was in UPCI for years, then left to independent World of Pentecost in Austin Texas. I worked as an employee at the University of Texas at Austin. UT published a semester catalog of informal evening classes one could take for personal growth (they had no credits or grades). I saw all these classes about church and bible history. I was so naive that I thought it was going to be like adult Sunday school. I thought it would be a bunch of maps and pictures of broken pottery. I thought, "I'll learn all about the Bible and be a Super Christian! And, maybe I can meet some students and tell them about Acts 2:38!" I went to class and scholars blew me out of the water with "Peter didn't write Peter. The Bible is full of interpolations and changes. The scriptures that you have now are a fraction of the scriptures circulating in the Proto-Orthodox period of the first 500 years of Christianity. The Bible you have now is the result of a process called canonization." I felt like I was hit in the face with a wet fish! LOL! I was all..."What are you talking about!? Whaaaaaa?!?!!!" The rest is history. It took about 2 years but I converted into the Anglican Communion (Episcopal and Church of England) and never looked back! I'm so glad that I accidentally stumbled into that comedy of errors that led me out. Also, I LOVE Episcopal priests! They've been amazing!
You do realize God gave the Israelite a special way to dress. Priest dressed in special clothing. While there is no Biblical new testiment way to dress that should be in forced most Denominations have said Pastors or leaders should be 1 to more levels of dress up than the congregation. Even in the most lax denominal church the Pastor might where a button up and slacks or nize jeans and tuck shirt and sometimes a coat. There are always standards for the minister. And the Testament has standards. I agree the UPCI can at times put too much emphasis but it is not unfounded. Just because the greater protestant church has a banded all standards doesn't make it wrong.
I think that if you are not attacking the there is no point in videos. I disagree with a lot but the denominal churches reject majority of scripture. Most of the things we practice in the UPC have once been a practice of historical protestant churches. Since they have all compromised the gospel with watered down grace that does not require a discipline of the the disciple that we all are supposed to be. I grew up non Denominational and visited many denominations over my youth, more and more there was just community with no obligation to discipline, that is why I came out of the traditional church. I disagree with some of the teaching in the UPC but I see more commitment to pleasing God and walking by faith.
I have moved 13 times in 13 years of marriage. We have been apart of UPC and another oneness that don't teach historical protestant holiness that UPCI still practices. Sounds like your church had a culture of fear based leadership.
Upc doesn't believe God is three persons manifested different ways. At all. Ever. They know God is Lord that His only person IS Himself Jesus Christ.
Upc is goat.
God is one, never three❤
Yes, you are correct that I misspoke, while recording this unscripted, in my description of the UPCI doctrinal stand on the Godhead. The UPCI believes a heretical version of modalism. But to be fair, Trinitarians do not believe in three Gods. This is a fallacy perpetuated in the UPCI.
@justinandtiffany ya, God in me isn't wrong. I understood it to be a casual chat misspeak on them, and do know they are filthy goats. I don't know anyone who thinks God Almighty Christ could be three. God told me many years by His voice speaking, they are dead. It's truly disgusting. God is vine, Jesus ♡ I love you. God is good
I like the egg examples/ There’s the one egg: shell,yellow yolk, whites of the egg = yet equals One whole Egg...Also human being is body soul and spirit yet = One human... Oneness And Trinity combined///Some Of Our Jewish Messianic Brethren Believers describes the Godhead as Compound Unity ❤ Former UPC
@@maryhelencampos9964 one store. God is a mind. He's Lord. That's Jesus.
A mind ? Not to me Abba Almighty Creator Father GOD is Holy Holy Holy / Spirit And Truth /The beginning of wisdom is the (reverential) fear of The LORD / True we should put on the mind of Christ if that’s what you meant .
I was raised UPC too, but after studying scripture myself I believe it to be all SEMANTICS. For example, I'd disagree that Oneness folks don't believe in the Trinity, because they do they just never say that word. Moreover, when the word Trinity comes up, too many people think of Tritheism, and that's where the misunderstanding occurs.
Listen, I don't even attend any church, so I'm not trying to pull you back in and I say this kind of tongue and cheek, but can you imagine a debate between a Trinitarian vs Oneness with one caveat. The Trinitarian must use the word "manifestations" and the Oneness must use the word "persons"
Peace:)
I think the need for this kind of information is great in the Spanish speaking community, which the UPC seems to be targeting with the IPUL
Mmmm upc... Then folks like Chris Reed, Morningstar Ministries...follow the Spirit,... Mmmm
Thank you for sharing your testimony. People really don't undertake who are not raised in that environment. It's an experience like no other. Hugs and prayers
I was adopted by a fundamentalist UPC couple. They were abusive and the most hateful judgemental hypocrites I've ever known. I never got the chance to thank them for the crippling anxiety, Ptsd, and severe depression they bestowed on me. I wouldn't step foot in that church if my life depended on it. They screamed at me, hit, kicked, punched, pulled out my hair, humiliated and gaslit me. Then wonder why I fled at 15 and chose homelessness over spending one more day in their toxic company, then moved to another state and never let them meet my husband or kids in 40 years. 😢
This is heartbreaking. We are so sorry you were treated like this. We hope and pray you have been able to find faith and healing on the other side of leaving ❤️
I sporadically attended a UPCI church in ND in the 90s and was baptized but never fully committed to the church. My involvement with the church contributed to developing multiple life long mental health problems. Not the fault of others but the church is a huge regret.
It's unfortunate, many times this is the result of this kind of system :(
I have been going to a UPCI church now for about a year and half and am in my 50s. I was raised Catholic. In my 20s to 40 I went to a handful of different protestant type denominations. In my 40s I became a member of a charismatic trinity based pentacostal church. All of these in my experience were all about loyalty to tradition, church and doctrines. My current UPCI church is all about bible only and that is our sole source of doctrine, not tradition, nor history. I simply love it, thanks be to God!!
youre in a cult. Jesus is not the Father.
Tradition is alive and well in the UPCI. it's just different.
Thank You for sharing this! I really need to hear this badly. I left the church almost a year ago but I still believe that god is real, leaving church organization doesn't mean you are leaving god and forgetting about him. It took 8 months for me to start wearing pants and felt guilty about it and right now I am almost to the point of mentally ready to cut my ankle-length hair. Although I did not grow up in UPC Church I started to join them in 2018 and I couldn't find a church anywhere else as I moved to the countryside of the city and it takes 4 hours to reach the other church that is available where the province I live. When I joined UPCI nobody really told me how to dress accordingly and told me not to cut my hair (Thank goodness I did not had experience like others what they been through by forcing them how to dress accordingly) , I decided to dressing up like them because I felt like they were going to judge me if I did not dress like the same way they are. UPC Church is a similar church where I grew up but without believing it to the holiness standard. although I had a good experience going to UPC Church like you guys said, but the more I stayed longer the more I see the hypocrites. Anyway Thank you and God bless both of you. ❤
We are so thankful to hear that you left an organization that had this kind of effect on you. We are praying that you will be able (or have been able) to find a Christ community that you can grow in and be edified by. We all need that. The "holiness" standards sure do attach themselves to you, and can be difficult to let go of. I (Tiff) still struggle dressing "non-UPC" in front of my family. But Christ walks with us wherever we are at in our journey.
Thank you for sharing and for watching! God bless ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story in a kind compassionate way.
Justin, how long after you left did you and Tiffany move to Minnesota? Also, what is the reason you left the church?
Hi Jessie! Justin stopped attending the UPC assembly about 10 months before we moved to Minnesota. There were lots of reasons he (and I, subsequently) left, but mostly, we could no longer align ourselves with the UPC’s doctrines. They are unbiblical at best. We are happy to provide way more detail if you’d like to email us [justinandtiff (at) icloud.com].
Hope you and Josh are well, and it was nice to hear from you ❤️
I am curious as to what doctrinal things you disagree with in the upc churches.
This would be a long answer :) Our subsequent video explains some of the teachings we disagree with, as well as our podcast, Grace Escape (found on this channel). We have covered quite a few topics in the last 30 episodes, and plan to cover some of the larger teachings of the UPC in the future (tongues, outward holiness standards, modalism vs trinitarianism, etc...)
I love to listen to Dr. Michael Brown. Love others, love people.
I left the UPCI local church but never threw the doctrine of God out. This was in 2000.
It's one thing to leave an organization or locality. It's another to forsake God and his doctrine.
So, you've rejected the doctrine of God in exchange for the trinity or what?
The True Apostolic Doctrine is preach Him crucified/ The death burial & Resurrection Of King Yeshua (Jesus)❤ As far as the Godhead is concern some of Our Jewish Messianic Brethren Believers refers to the Godhead as a Compound Unity... I lean more towards Trinity because I have a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father Abba GOD all because of my Mediator Intercessor Redeemer HighPriest King Yeshua Jesus that made The Way for me when He said It is Finished Price Paid in Full with Holy Ghost Guidance ❤ The Revelation knowledge I received after years of leaving the UPC 🎉
@maryhelencampos9964 If you had a real relationship, then you'd know that God the Father became his own Son
@@wjdyr6261uh, no😊
Thank you for your channel!
oh ok
Thank you for your testimony. I also left the apostolic church and saw that the oneness belief is not biblical when I started reading the bible. It also didn’t see the trinity at all but started looking more into it. Spoke to pastors and attended trinitarian churches. After everything and continuing to read the bible, I still don’t find any context of trinity in the bible. Oneness nor trinity or biblical.
I always see two and not three: “But to us there is but ONE God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and ONE Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
1 Corinthians 8:6
“Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is HIS name-and HIS SON’s name? Tell me if you know!”
Proverbs 30:4
I believe what the Apostles belied and so I go by that.
Jesus is not God The Father because Jesus said that only God knows the end not even the Son nor the angels. Matthew 24:36
Jesus also said that he was here to do the will of God.
“Therefore, as He was coming into the world, He said: You did not want sacrifice and offering, but You prepared a body for Me. You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said, “See - it is written about Me in the volume of the scroll - I have come to do Your will, God! ””
Hebrews 10:5-7
The bible says that Jesus has a God:
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
Ephesians 1:17
“and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father - the glory and dominion are His forever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 1:5-6
“The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God - the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God - and My new name.” Revelation 3:12
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
““Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father - to My God and your God.”” John 20:17
“so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.” Romans 15:6
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is praised forever, knows I am not lying.”
2 Corinthians 11:31
there are 3, Jesus' baptism- all 3 members of the Godhead interacting at the same time.
@@robrobert3438 Not really. The verse says the Holy Spirit “like” and a dove. Thats a simile. I can say you walk like a dog, doesn’t mean you are a dog. And it also says, The Spirit *of* God.
“After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit *of* God descending *like* a dove and coming down on Him.”
Matthew 3:16
@@yeni_daughterOfGod 1. Matthew 3:16
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him.”
2. Matthew 12:28
“But if I [Jesus] cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
3. Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit . . .”
4. Luke 3:22
“And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My [the Father’s] beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”
5. John 14:26
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My [Jesus’] name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
6. John 15:26
“When the Helper comes, whom I [Jesus] will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me . . .”
7. Acts 1:4
“Gathering them together, He [Jesus] commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me . . .”
8. Acts 2:33
“Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He [Jesus] has poured forth this which you both see and hear.”
9. Acts 10:38
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
10. Romans 1:4
“Who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord . . .”
11. Romans 8:9
“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
12. 1 Corinthians 6:11
Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
13. 2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
14. Galatians 4:6
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
15. Ephesians 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
16. Ephesians 2:18
For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
17. Ephesians 2:22
In whom [Jesus] you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
18. Titus 3:6
Whom [the Holy Spirit] He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
19. Hebrews 9:14
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
20. 1 Peter 1:2
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: may grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
@@yeni_daughterOfGod Having established that there is but one God, we turn to the biblical data showing that the one God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
FATHER SON (Jesus) HOLY SPIRIT, THE
ATTRIBUTES OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT
Called God Phil. 1:2 John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:8 Acts 5:3-4
Eternal Psalm 90:2 Micah 5:1-2 Heb. 9:14
Creator Isaiah 64:8 John 1:3; Col. 1:15-17 Job 33:4, 26:13
Indwells us 2 Cor. 6:16 Col. 1:27 John 14:17; Rom. 8:11
All-knowing 1 John 3:20 John 16:30; 21:17 1 Cor. 2:10-11
Everywhere 1 Kings 8:27 Matt. 28:20 Psalm 139:7-10
Searches the heart Jer. 17:10 Rev. 2:23 1 Cor. 2:10
Resurrects Jesus 1 Thess. 1:10 John 2:19, 10:17 Rom. 8:11
Sanctifies 1 Thess. 5:23 Heb. 2:11 1 Pet. 1:2
PERSONHOOD OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT
Has a Will Luke 22:42 Luke 22:42 1 Cor. 12:11
Speaks Matt. 3:17; Luke 9:25 Luke 5:20; 7:48 Acts 8:29; 11:12; 13:2
Loves John 3:16 Eph. 5:25 Rom. 15:30
Fellowship with 1 John 1:3 1 Cor. 1:9 2 Cor. 13:14; Phil. 2:1
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT
We belong to John 17:9 John 17:6
Savior 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10 2 Tim. 1:10; Titus 1:4; 3:6
We serve Matt. 4:10 Col. 3:24
Believe in John 14:1 John 14:1
Judges John 8:50 John 5:21, 30
Gives joy John 15:11 1 Thess. 1:6
@@robrobert3438 no where in the bible and non of those verses says God is E person. That term does not exist. Please read over them and if you do find it, please share with me. God bless.
Congrats on finding your freedom in Christ! Like you guys I studied my way out. Left in 2019 after growing up as a PK in this.
Justin I have always supported you and have been a friend to you even when you were going through tough times. I have been around the UPC for over 50 years and I have watched 100s of people choose another path but I have never seen anybody become a better Christian after leaving. Just believing in Jesus or Jehovah has never been a Biblical truth even in the Old Testament. I have struggled in my own personal walk with God but I have never doubted the doctrine of the UPC. There are no perfect churches or organizations but there is only one door to heaven through Jesus by repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. You can try to fool yourself and if you want it bad enough God will send you a strong delusion. The thing about it is when God sends the delusion nobody can help you. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
th-cam.com/play/PLdJnxo-Ff3zEbok-uuvR9SFtu6axhVkMe.html
@Rich Vitale Respectfully, I personally know several people (myself included), who left the UPC as a result of studying scripture and seeking God. I also know current UPC'ers (including ministers) who do not believe in all the mainstream UPC doctrines. Some hesitate to leave because of backlash/family conflict, and others are hoping to bring change from within. Many who have left would consider themselves much closer to God, much more at peace now; still living godly lives and still seeking Christ.
2 Thess 2:11-12 within context is not applicable to someone leaving a church group and pursuing Jesus Christ. I've heard UPC'ers use this before because they believe they have "the truth" and anyone who leaves their group has left "the truth". Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). If you read 2 Thess 2, this chapter is speaking about the Day of The Lord and the lawless one exalting himself above every god that is acknowledged, and proclaiming himself to be God (sitting in the Temple), performing signs and wonders and deceiving "those who are perishing" (unbelievers) and who disbelieved the truth (of Jesus as Messiah and Savior of the world), and who delighted in WICKEDNESS. I understand that we may have different interpretations of scripture, but I don't think any of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ "delight in wickedness/unrighteousness". These verses get plucked out and misapplied often because they're not read within the context of the chapter. This approach to scripture is an ongoing problem within the UPC and results in several of their exclusive doctrines.
Nice response!
In the midst of being in the UPC and loving it the scripture lead me to the truth, which is not the same as what the UPC is preaching. It made me really sad to leave, but I have to love the truth.
People who are indoctrinated in cult belief systems use scripture out of context to support or reinforce their belief systems.
It is called cognitive disconance.
Jesus didn't just make it possible to be saved he actually saved his people on the cross. Too many churches teach that Jesus' blood is not enough to save, you have to work also for salvation. Only the blood of Jesus saves our soul, grace alone! The reason everybody is not saved is because Jesus died for the sheep not the goats.
*John 10 : 11,26-29*
I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But you believe not, because you are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.
A big AMEN! Thank you Gabe and God bless...
@@justinandtiffany God bless you also. Its not everybody that can receive this truth, as Jesus said, "Whoever has ears to hear let them hear"
What sources did you use to study the history of UPC? I am on a journey myself.
Books: Christianity without a Cross by Thomas Fudge has a lot of the history. Also Strange Fire by John MacArthur, which is about pentecostalism in general. That's where I started.
Research Charles Fox Parham. The founding father of the UPCI. Read facts about his arrest for child sodomy in Texas. His hand written, sworn statement included his confession. Which he later retracted his confession and stated he does not deny he sodomized a child, he says he did so in his sleep and therefore can’t be guilty of the act.
Also, Wikipedia has a lot of basic information. Do not take everything on it as absolutely true, because like any source of information it is only as good as the research put into it, and research about things can always change. If you want to look up the Early Church divisions about the Godhead arguments, it also is very easy to understand. It left me realizing that the specific doctrinal beliefs of the UPC are so myopic that they cannot be reasonably understood unless you realize it's about leadership trying to control people.
It's so brave of you both to speak out publicly. It seems to be a common theme to be "people pleasers" in the UPCI.... specifically in women... I think because we were conditioned to be. I'm so glad opened my eyes to it all.
Thank you! You are so right. It really is unfortunate. We pray more people’s eyes are opened. God bless!
Miss you tiff it’s me Jaxon I stand with all the epc children’s choir when i say this you are the best and we miss you and don’t you forget
Hi Jax! Miss you and my fav kids choir! ❤️
Would like to chat with you
I'm pretty sure I was in the same church that you were in California. I thought you looked familiar. I was there for 4 years. I lost a 3 year year old son to meningitis a year before I started attending. I left after 4 years and have really bad PTSD now. I never left God, and still desire a close relationship with him. But it has been very confusing, and my journey has not been easy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching. We are very sorry to hear about your son, but so glad to hear you are still a believer. Leaving any assembly can be very challenging and the detox afterwards is very real and hard. We are praying for you ❤️
Tiffany , I may have been in the same church that you were in , in California .I am sorry about the loss of your son .
Here's what ended religious faith for me:
1 - where do souls come from? and at what point does a zygote become a human with a soul?
2 - what will god do with souls once they're in heaven? Eat them? run more tests on them?
3 - why did king james (or others) pick the series of manuscripts/journals to put in the bible? And why did he exclude all the others? Was he trying to build a religious institution?
4 - is god racist? the bible says he chose jews over all other races. that's a bit racist if you read the dictionary.
All honest questions, apologies in advance if these offend.
I hear your concerns, and I would like to add that Jews can be of any race. I have met Jewish people from different races.
In history, God expected them to share about salvation and be the light to all other nations, but they didn't. So when Jesus came, he gave direct access to all peoples from every nation tribe and tongue. I hope you find answers in your journey. Much love. ❤️
Hi guys,
I appreciate your stories so much. I was in upci from about 10 yeard old about 1975 until 2012.
And still today I am still referred to as a backslider, a reprobate etc....
What people need to realize is I left UPC, I didn't leave Jesus...totally different. Not to mention, I have learned more about God and closer to him since I left.
Once again, I appreciate your video and sharing your experience coming out of the UPC.
Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing. It is so sad that the only room to leave this organization is through their very narrow window of either offense or a backslidden heart. But unfortunately, this fear tactic is the only way they are able to maintain control of the members still attending. We are thankful to hear that despite being referred to as a backslider, you are still walking with Christ and relying on Him. God bless!
Do pentecostals have lots of babies or have is their family size normal or average ??? Like I notice alot of them tend to older folks mostly so hopefully it'll declined in due time ( only if there not enough young people to replaced the ones that are already aging out )
The families tend to be larger than average in the US, but that is changing as a lot of Pentecostal women are slowly embracing some forms of birth control. However, since I last looked, Oneness Pentecostal churches are stagnant or slightly declining in membership. Growth is mostly coming form immigrant families who join during some sort of crisis, as people raised in the church are often leaving once they enter young adulthood. Luckily, the internet is making it easier for young Pentecostals to access the world outside the church, and realize that a lot of what they are told just isn't true.
@@jonathanraithel5726what exactly isn’t true about the Pentecostal doctrine?
People on this site when you leave the church, what do you do? Do you stay at home? The time is short, these are the last days. If you want to go back with Jesus, get it right and be careful what you say, God listens to us and his name is not to be blasphemed.
They still call Jesus their savior and they left the organization of the UBC not the church. Church supersedes any one organization and the UBC is not in the Bible. I say this with love in my heart
@@imurman79 There’s only one church and that’s the one Jesus started.
So @gennisparry4352 are you saying that the UPC is the church that Jesus started?
@@imurman79 The church that Jesus started is the one that Repents of their sins according to Acts2 verse 38. The church where three thousand souls were saved on the day of Pentecost. This church continues STEADFASTLY IN THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE and do all the teachings of Jesus Christ. And the Lord added to the church daily such as to be saved. That’s the church, the one that the Lord added to , that’s the church that Jesus Christ is coming back for. Jesus Christ is the head of this Church.
So are your say that the UPC is the only way to the Father.